Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery Hosts 14th Annual Catch A Smile Senior Fishing Derby

Sep 28, 2023

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Two elderly men removing a hook from a fish — Participants of the 2023 Catch A Smile Senior Derby at Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery removing the hook from the mouth of a Rainbow trout caught at Hatchery Creek.

Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery hosted the 14th Annual Catch A Smile Senior Fishing Derby. 170 participants, ages 62+ registered for a day of fishing, food and fun!

After staff stocked Hatchery Creek and all participants were registered, it was time to start casting! Several beautiful Rainbow trout were caught, with many seniors catching their 5-fish creel limit. After a morning of trout fishing, the seniors were treated to a cook-out style lunch consisting of hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, cookies and drinks. Finally, it was time to get out tickets, and numbers were called out for each participant so they could be given a door prize. Each participant won an outdoor-themed prize such as lanterns, windchimes, tackle boxes, coolers, etc. Following the giveaways, staff shuttled the anglers back to the parking lot to help them unload their catch and winnings, while others headed back to Hatchery Creek to try their luck again.

This event was a joint effort of Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery and The Friends of Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery. Inc. We want to thank our generous sponsors and volunteers, without them we would not be able to have these wonderful, free events each year.